Outrage Over Children's Museum Of Indianapolis' Juneteenth ‘Watermelon Salad’

In Indiana, a children's museum received a flurry of backlash for its Juneteenth celebration's food menu.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis posted its Juneteenth Jamboree event and one of the food items was watermelon salad.

The user reported the menu item to be offensive and perpetuating stereotypes.

The museum has since apologized saying,

As a museum, we apologize and acknowledge the negative impact that stereotypes have on Black communities. The salad has been removed from the menu. We are currently reviewing how we may best convey these stories and traditions during this year's Juneteenth celebration as well as making changes around how future food selections are made by our food service provider.

Our food service provider uses the food and beverage menu to commemorate and raise awareness of holidays like Juneteenth. The team that made this selection included their staff members who based this choice of food on their own family traditions.

As we work to create a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, we know there will be stumbles along the way. As a museum, we have put a significant effort behind sharing the critical and diverse stories of a wide range of individuals. We also have placed a strong emphasis on expanding DEAI initiatives throughout the museum. We resolve to do better, and continue bringing all voices forward in our work.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865 when Union Soldiers told enlslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas that they are free. It was 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

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